Published: Sunday, April 28, 2013 at 11:56 p.m.

Last Modified: Sunday, April 28, 2013 at 11:56 p.m.

Lerentee McCray says he has always been a humble guy who's never walked around with a chip on his shoulder.

But he's carrying one now.

“I definitely have the biggest chip I've ever had on my shoulder,” said the former Florida standout linebacker.

It ended up there Saturday night, when the NFL Draft concluded without McCray getting selected by any of the 32 teams through seven long rounds spread over three days.

But McCray says he's going to prove those teams wrong. He has a chance to do that now after agreeing to a free agent contract with the Denver Broncos on Saturday night.

“I feel good. It's an honor to go out there,” McCray said. “I feel like Denver is a great fit, the best situation for me. They have a need at linebacker. Von Miller doesn't have a backup, and they're looking for another pass rusher. I feel like I have a chance to play right away.

“There is no doubt in my mind I can go in and play in the NFL. I've dreamed about doing that my whole life. I'm going to go out there and prove to those teams that they should have picked me in the draft.”

McCray, who battled a shoulder injury through most of his senior season, started 17 games in his UF career and recorded 65 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, one interception, four pass breakups, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

He said he went into the draft expecting to hear his name called.

“It was tough,” McCray said. “I watched it off and on, staying on my phone. At the end of the day, I know it's a business. I'm going to remain positive.

<p>Lerentee McCray says he has always been a humble guy who's never walked around with a chip on his shoulder.</p><p>But he's carrying one now.</p><p>“I definitely have the biggest chip I've ever had on my shoulder,” said the former Florida standout linebacker. </p><p>It ended up there Saturday night, when the NFL Draft concluded without McCray getting selected by any of the 32 teams through seven long rounds spread over three days.</p><p>But McCray says he's going to prove those teams wrong. He has a chance to do that now after agreeing to a free agent contract with the Denver Broncos on Saturday night.</p><p>“I feel good. It's an honor to go out there,” McCray said. “I feel like Denver is a great fit, the best situation for me. They have a need at linebacker. Von Miller doesn't have a backup, and they're looking for another pass rusher. I feel like I have a chance to play right away.</p><p>“There is no doubt in my mind I can go in and play in the NFL. I've dreamed about doing that my whole life. I'm going to go out there and prove to those teams that they should have picked me in the draft.”</p><p>McCray, who battled a shoulder injury through most of his senior season, started 17 games in his UF career and recorded 65 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, one interception, four pass breakups, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.</p><p>He said he went into the draft expecting to hear his name called.</p><p>“It was tough,” McCray said. “I watched it off and on, staying on my phone. At the end of the day, I know it's a business. I'm going to remain positive.</p><p>“I'm going to keep doing the things I've been doing, proving people wrong and fulfilling my dream.”</p><p>McCray was one of six undrafted Gators who agreed to free agent contracts Saturday night. The others were defensive tackle Earl Okine (Houston), defensive tackle Omar Hunter (Pittsburgh), offensive tackle Xavier Nixon (Washington), wide receiver/tight end Omarius Hines (Baltimore) and receiver Frankie Hammond Jr. (Kansas City).</p><p><i>Contact Robbie Andreu at 352-374-5022 or andreur@gvillesun.com. Also check out Andreu's blog at Gatorsports.com.</i></p>